1968 saw the reintroduction of the single cut Les Paul model, a guitar that had not been manufactured by Gibson since the final 'Bursts' in 1960. The Custom and Standard models from 1968 have gone on to be particularly collectable, with these early reintroduction examples being striking similar in build and quality to their '50s counterparts. This 1968 Gibson Les Paul Standard is a great example of these exceptionally rare models, produced as a first 'reissue' of the 1956 Goldtop, P90 equipped Les Paul Standard guitars.
This guitar features the solid Mahogany body used initially by Gibson before moving to the maple pancake design, along with a one piece Mahogany neck and Rosewood fingerboard with pearloid block inlays and the smaller '50s style peghead used in 1968. The P90s offer a bite and chime that is unique to these kinds of pickups, with a tone that is hard to achieve with anything else. The chrome hardware is present and correct as was standard for this model, along with the cream pick guard.
This guitar is in good, players condition, with a few changes that keep it relatively affordable when compared to the near-£30k currently being asked for mint examples. The guitar has had a full refinish, and has been lightly aged with some minor lacquer checking visible on the maple top. The pots and wiring have been replaced with a new harness, and the guitar has also benefitted from a refret. The pickups appear original, and feature a combination of both clear and black bobbins, although both have been rewound and the neck pickup features new magnets and spacers. The bridge, tailpiece and tuners are correct, and the knobs are later repros.
As with all our vintage instruments, this guitar has been given a full service and appraisal by the luthier at the Vintage Instrument Workshop and is guaranteed for 3 years in line with our vintage instrument warranty.
